So, as 2014 has ended I think it also symbolizes the end of the previous console generation. I imagine we'll see far less games being ported to last gen consoles in favor of providing true next gen titles. So, with that being said I think we should take a moment to look back at the iconic games of the last generation.
For the purposes of discussion any games on the PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, and PC games released from 2006-2014 are eligible
Also, provide some reasoning behind your choices. There were alot of games in the last generation, there must be a reason why you chose what you did.
5. Grand Theft Auto IV: To be honest I haven't played GTA V very much except for a bit while at friends' houses, but GTA IV was incredible in my opinion. It was also the first GTA games that I ever actually completed even though I have played and own all of them since GTA III. Nico Bellic's story was great and for me it was the first time that the protagonist of a GTA game had a real personality. Then the end was of course a horrible but fitting end to his story.
4. Bioshock Infinite: To be honest it was a toss up between Bioshock and Bioshock Infinite. Story wise, I think they are equals, but I have to give props to Bioshock Infinite. The environments were gorgeous but also slightly twisted and sinister. Elizabeth is one of the greatest video game sidekicks as well. The twists and turns that you go on keep you guessing and even the ending can leave you speculating for a long time. One of the best cases of video game storytelling.
3. Dark Souls: There was actually a time that I played Dark Souls for an hour, long before I truly delved into it. I got through the tutorial alright, but got repeatedly killed in the Undead Burg. Eventually the rage took me and I shut the game off. Months later my friend hounded me to pick it up again, but he said to just look up a bit of info just to get the basics down and then do the rest blind. I took his advice and it gave me the push I needed to begin improving. After that I was hooked and I ended up playing through the game twice back to back in a month.
I think the thing I love the most about Dark Souls is the danger. I've become a pretty accomplished Dark Souls player but even I can get caught off guard and killed if I am not paying attention. As for the DS vs DS2 debate, they are both incredible but I give the win to DS1 because I feel like DS2 loses it's way in a couple places
2. The Last of Us: This game is an absolute masterpiece in gaming. If my list was objective this would be probably #1, but I have a lot more history with my #1 title. The story of the game is an absolute roller coaster ride. The relationship between Ellie and Joel and how they interact with the people in their world is the true genius of this game and the writing is some of the best you'll see not only in video games, but in any medium really. I don't want to talk about it too indepth because that would ruin the fun for those who haven't played it, but if you have a PS3 or PS4 you MUST play this game.
Also, the gameplay fits the setting and atmosphere perfectly. It is intense and on the higher difficulties your resources are extremely scarce. I understand that this is probably standard survival horror gameplay, but considering I don't have much experience in that genre the gameplay really resonated with me.
1. Fallout 3: I don't think there is a single game that has given me more enjoyment than Fallout 3 except maybe some of the Pokemon games, but considering those games are very formulaic I didn't want to include the DS ones on this list. Back to Fallout 3 though, just roaming the Capital Wasteland and listening to the news from Three Dog and jamming to some phenomenal classics is both relaxing and satisfying. Sure, the story isn't revolutionary, but they managed to fix the problem that so many open world games fall into which is the "filler symdrome." Where they populate the vast world with menial side quests.
In Fallout 3 the quests involve killing people, sure, but the motivations behind doing so vary wildly. In addition there are plenty of random locations that you can explore that don't even have side quests, but they may have their own back stories or awesome loot to obtain. Plus, besides Mothership Zeta the DLC is great. To be honest I could go on and on about how much I love this game, but we would be here all day. If you haven't already pick up the GotY edition and play this damn game.